'Transactions of the Bombay Geographical Society, from January 1847 to May 1849. Edited by the Secretary. Volume VIII.' [‎372] (481/496)

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neons and indigenous productions of such a prolific soil, I feel as
sured that if these fertile Islands were colonized, they would speedily
be converted into a beautiful garden, “ and smiling plenty would
soon cheer the labouring swain/' Nutmegs, and many valuable
spice trees, from the neighbouring Island of New Guinea, might
also be introduced, and I have no doubt they would answer every ex
pectation, as the soil and climate is very similar, being situated in nearly
the same parallel of latitude and about the same meridian of longitude:
the heat is never very great, as the sky is generally overcast with a thin
stratum of clouds, and moreover it is tempered during the greater part
of the year by the cool and refreshing breezes of the south-east trade.
Showers almost daily falling, cause these Islands to appear in a state of
perpetual verdure: the rainy season I believe occurs in January and
February, when the wind shifts round to the north-westward and north
eastward. During the period we were in Torres' Straits, I kept a register
of the thermometer, and found it varied from 71° to 83°, the highest and
lowest point, but the mean average of several observations gave only 76°.
The nights were delightfully cool, and the days, even when the sun was
out, were far from oppressive—-in fact, we found no inconvenience what
ever from exposure. The whole group of Islands from Cape York to Ham
mond's Isle, from what we observed of their character, are admirably
adapted for the European constitution; and if they were occupied by a
few hardy and speculative adventurers, they would, I have no doubt, m
process of time become a vast emporium for the traffic of this part of the
world. The ultimate benefits derived from founding such a colony in the
very centre of a dangerous sea, (which has now been made the high road
to India from the Southern Pacific Ocean) must be incalculable, for it
would not only open out a new trade now lying dormant, but it would
moreover afford safe shelter to any shipwrecked crew, or relieve vessels
in distress; and great must be the amount of lives and property thus
saved. A second repetition of the Charles Eaton massacre would also be
effectually prevented. An extended intercourse with these savages, should
such ever take place, must also change their ferocious habits, and instead
of bloodshed and plunder, they would follow less horrible pursuits, rising
in the scale of civilization, and taking their stand amidst the more favoied
nations of the earth. If some of these Islands were settled, what immense
riches might not that splendid and magnificent Island of New Guinea
supply to the world ? She still remains, as she has for ages past, an
unknown and mysterious land—the Ultima Thule of modern times . hm
treasures lie hid in the deep recesses of her vast forests ; her plains